The meeting commenced with a ceremonial promotion for Officer Shan Mastro Pierro, who became the first Special Law Enforcement Officer Class 2 to advance to a regular officer position within the department. This promotion, highlighted by Chief Walker, underscores the department’s community policing model and the benefits of the Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLO) program, which serves as both a cost-saving measure and a streamlined hiring process. Officer Mastro Pierro, noted for his positive reputation within the community and department, took an oath witnessed by Chief Walker and family members, emphasizing the program’s success in transitioning part-time officers to full-time roles, as needed, while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

In another development, the council moved to the second reading of an ordinance allocating $350,000 from the general capital fund balance for municipal building renovations. This allocation, underlined by the business administrator, will facilitate upgrades such as new furniture, filing cabinets, and a high-density mobile storage system for the building department. The use of capital surplus funds ensures that these improvements will be completed without incurring additional debt.

The council also introduced a new ordinance for its first reading. Key proposed changes include prohibiting overnight parking of trucks on borough streets, restricting overnight parking for vehicles registered as taxis or limousines, and adjusting prohibited parking distances on Bogert Road. Additionally, new stop signs are planned for the intersection of Mercer and Laf Avenue. Chief Walker clarified that the police department would use signage to communicate these updates to residents, while discretion would be employed in enforcing the new regulations, particularly in issuing warnings for parking violations.

The council addressed the planning for River Edge’s 250th anniversary celebrations, proposing a resolution to support the historic commission’s preparations. A councilman emphasized the value of involving a state-sponsored organization to assist in coordinating events and programs. Eric Modell, a member of the historic commission, is slated to lead a new committee focused on organizing the anniversary events, with plans to include members from various community sectors.

During the meeting, resolutions numbered 24-323 through 24-333 were reviewed and passed without debate. These resolutions included routine matters and inquiries about rental confirmations for the Department of Public Works and budget consistency, with nominal increases noted. The finance and budget chair also presented resolution 24-334, detailing expenditures across various funds.

The council acknowledged the presence of six monthly reports from various boards and commissions, making them available to the public upon request. Among these were reports from the land use board, historic commission, library board, and tax collector. The meeting also noted the presence of newly elected council members, who were encouraged to share their thoughts and were informed they would have a formal opportunity to address the public upon their official swearing-in.